Manufacturers won’t tell you this: press these two buttons to make your washing machine descale itself
Modern households often run into the same little nuisances: washing machines that start to smell, don’t drain properly and pick up mould on the door seal. The common response for many is to reach for cleaning products. But most modern machines have a built‑in, no‑cost feature that can sort these problems with very little fuss.
Many machines already have a self‑clean cycle
Most contemporary washing machines include a self‑cleaning cycle. Many people are unaware because manufacturers often promote their range of cleaning products, which can obscure this built‑in option. Using the self‑clean regularly keeps the drum smelling fresh, stops mould from settling and can lengthen the life of the appliance.
Why use self‑cleaning every month
Running the self‑cleaning function does a lot. It gets rid of dirt and mould, clears stubborn residue and accumulated detergent, and prevents odours by keeping the drum fresh. Doing it once a month lowers the chance of faults and helps the machine last longer. You also won’t need costly cleaning agents because the machine does the job itself.
How to turn on the self‑cleaning function
Using the self‑clean feature is straightforward. On the control panel you’ll usually see buttons labelled “Intensive washing” or “Anti‑crease”, sometimes with icons like a star or an arch. Press those two buttons together for 2 to 3 seconds and the “Drum cleaning” message should show on the display. Press Start once and the automatic cycle will run. Do not add any cleaning products; the appliance is designed to work on its own.
A simple step‑by‑step guide
- Simultaneously press “Intensive washing” and “Anti‑crease” for 2 to 3 seconds.
- Verify that “Drum cleaning” appears on the display.
- Press Start.
- Allow the machine to run empty, without detergent or laundry (the drum should be completely empty).
Following this routine every month helps keep the appliance performing well.
Little extras that help
Sorting common machine problems isn’t just about running the self‑clean. For bad smells, start a self‑clean cycle straight away and wipe the door dry after each wash. If drainage is poor, check and clean the drain pump filter (usually behind a small flap at the front). Leave the door and rubber seal open after each use so the interior can dry and mould won’t build up. Conduct filter checks at least bi‑monthly (i.e. every two months) to reduce bacterial growth.
Consider machines with smart features such as automatic dosing and smart fault detection (which dose detergent automatically and warn you of faults), they can help with convenience, energy use and avoiding unnecessary repairs. Regular self‑cleaning and leaving the door open have been reported to remove severe odours without the need for strong cleaners.
Using the washer’s self‑clean function helps keep the machine fresh, efficient and reliable. These small maintenance steps reduce the need for harsh chemicals and can lower running costs and environmental impact.